Arunachal: ACF Organizes Statewide Hunger Strike Against APFRA Implementation

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a hunger strike on 17 February (Monday) from 9 am to 5 pm at the Nyishi Indigenous Identity Society Nyokum ground in Borum village.

This protest is part of their ongoing movement against the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978.

Members of various district Christian forums and units will also hold hunger strikes in their respective districts and subdivisions on the same day. Christians from the Itanagar Capital Region, including some Christian legislators and inter-denomination heads, are expected to participate in the event organized by ACF.

Additionally, members of the Gumto Circle Christian Forum in Doimukh will protest outside the Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner’s office in Yupia on Monday.

The protests come after Chief Minister Pema Khandu's statement about implementing the APFRA, which has been dormant until now. The Act’s rules are expected to be framed soon, following a 2024 order by two judges of the Gauhati High Court (Itanagar bench), directing the state government to finalize the draft rules within six months. This ruling closed a public interest litigation filed by advocate Tambo Tamin.

Earlier this month, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) had announced statewide protests against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, starting with a week-long fasting and prayer event from February 10.

ACF also plans a gherao of the state assembly on March 6 if their concerns are not addressed. The protests follow Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s decision to implement the Act, which had been dormant for years.

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